Superfruit on the Rise, Meet the Mangosteen

The mangosteen is topical fruit more commonly found in South East Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Thailand. Although the name might sound similar, the mangosteen does not even come close to resembling a mango. It is small and round about the size of an orange and its skin is deep purple. The mangosteen differs in taste too, it is more commonly described to taste like lychee, strawberry, peach and pineapple all rolled into one.

Mangosteen is known as the “Queen of Fruits”, perhaps because at one time in history Queen Victoria heard about this exotic fruit and offered instant knighthood to anyone who can bring it to her. Whether or not it is true or if they were successful, the mangosteen has a multitude of health and skin benefits fit to be called a queen.

For many years it has beenused as theraputic cure to treatskin infections, wounds, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera. Researchers have noted the leaves, pericarp, whole fruit and heartwood of mangosteen all contain xanthones, a biologically active compound that help the body’s defense system and is a great source of antioxidant properties.

Here are a few more reasons why you should start including mangosteen in your daily diet and skin care rituals:

Studies have shown that the xanthones found in mangosteen delay the progression of tumors and even has the potential to “induce cell death”.

2.Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy

Xanthones present in the different parts of the fruit were found to be beneficial in preventing progression of chronic diseases and inhibits the histamine release and prostaglandin E2.

3.Mangosteen helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

It contains high fiber and has long been used to treat diarrhea, dysmenorrhea. Further research showed that it can treat UTI and irritable bowel syndrome.

4.Helps give you smoother skin.

Thanks to xanthones, mangosteen contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help reduces fight against acne and eczema. It also contains vitamin C, which help remove acne scars and help improve the skin’s collagen and elastin production giving your skin a more youthful appearance.

5.Delays skin aging.

Everyday our skin is exposed to different types of free radical agents, pollution, cigarette smoke and light to name a few. Frequent exposure leads to wrinkles, fine lines that all contribute to rapidly aging skin. Mangosteen is a potent source of antioxidant that can help ward further damage to the skin.

Mangosteen is available in different forms, from food supplement; to juices and even as a key ingredient to select skin care products. With all these positive results and future studies still being done to prove its efficacy in curing cancer, you cannot help but start investing on your health today.

Sher Manimtim is a writer, beauty enthusiast and mother of two adorable toddlers. Her experience in marketing and retail merchandising fueled her passion in discovering “the next big thing.” She dreams of becoming a children’s book author and is passionate about desserts. She takes pride in her sinfully rich red velvet cupcakes.